Detection of Leptosphaeria maculans from imported Canola seeds

Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal agent of blackleg on oilseeds in many regions around the world, has not been reported in China. In this study, L. maculans was detected from imported canola seeds by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a species-specific primer pair. The isolated L. maculans exhibited morphology identical to the known L. maculans strain on PDA culture plates and produced typical blackleg symptom when inoculated on oilseed leaves. It is the first report on the detection and identification of L. maculans from Canadian oilseed in China.